[grandallj]

I was all fredded up in my new bib shorts, out a good bit earlier than usual, looking to add some distance to my usual commute, when I opened the shed and found the back tire on my bike completely flat. The valve had given up. So I pulled off the wheel, replaced the tube, re-seated the tire, got it all put back together, and left at my usual time for my usual commute.

At least the bibs were nice.

[grandallj]

@thucydides 60469 wrote:

We get to GW Parkway bridge and — I kid you not — in order to make the left turn onto the bridge he has to stick his left leg way out. Past the bridge I pass him which apparently causes him some sort of Cat 6 meltdown and he jumps the curb and sprints to get past me again. At the end of the TR parking lot he sticks out his right leg to make the right turn and then his left to make the left. He’s poking along but by now I decided to not pass him again because I’m just laughing too hard to do it. He comes up on the MVT/TR ramp fork he and does the left leg thing again.

Was he using his legs to signal his turns? Or am I trying to give the benefit of the doubt to an apparent lunatic?

[grandallj]

@dbb 60248 wrote:

I was on the MVT the other night and actually had someone call that behavior. I was heading south and passing a northbound ped as a faster southbound cyclist called “up the middle” for his pass.

Was it a guy wearing a Honey Stinger jersey and trying to stay on his aero bars? A guy matching that description made a reckless “up the middle” pass around me and I saw him do it several more times as he approached Gravelly Point.

[grandallj]

. . . actually riding enough to offset my willfully terrible dietary choices?

[grandallj]

@grandallj 56565 wrote:

Thanks for all the suggestions. Seems like one of those things where everyone has found their own happy medium, but [M]MMV. I’ll check the shelf next time I’m at the shop.

I ended up getting the Lizard Skins 3.2 and put ’em on yesterday. All the proponents up-thread sold me. First ride this morning was very nice. I’m a fan.

[grandallj]

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/3968269226.html

I don’t know if it’s a deal at $700. But it is orange.

[grandallj]

>Taps<

[grandallj]

I didn’t end up buying there (in part because I thought the salesguy was jerky), but I think Bicycle Pro Shop down on Duke St. may carry the Cannondale line and it’s not too far to Spokes if the fellow wants to ride the Trek to compare.

[grandallj]

This problem generally solves itself for me, as anyone continuing on the MVT has much more pace than I do coming up the incline from 4MRT.

@cephas 59117 wrote:

I also took a closer look this morning. The sign is about 6 inches from 4MRT, and 2.5 – 3 feet from MVT. There’s also foliage on the outside side of 4MRT that could at times obscure the yield sign. It’s definitely not ideal, but does not appear overly confusing.

[grandallj]

. . . looking forward to my next ride.

[grandallj]

Well I didn’t set a goal at the beginning of the year because I didn’t own a bike. So I bought one in April and then my goal was to ride to work on BTWD. I did it. I’ve been riding to work several times a week since then and am still working on a 5/5 week. So I guess that’s a goal. I’ll also set a goal to go on an organized/group ride; I think that may help me get over the hump of limiting my solo rides to 20-30 miles. My bottom line goal isn’t about miles or pace (this year). Instead, it’s just to get out on the bike as much as possible because it always puts me in a good mood.

[grandallj]

I don’t have any help on the used front, but I can say that I have been riding the steel frame Specialized Tricross since April and absolutely LOVE it. I’m about 6’4″ and the 58cm works well for me. If the Tricross is too dear, the Bianchi Volpe is a very similar bike, minus disc brakes — maybe worth a look.

[grandallj]

The map is only mostly orange right now. I’m going to give it a try. The only way out is through.

[grandallj]

Just cleaned my chain yesterday. It’s my fault. I’m so sorry, guys.

[grandallj]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Seems like one of those things where everyone has found their own happy medium, but [M]MMV. I’ll check the shelf next time I’m at the shop.

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